golden bay alpine and tramping club · lorax liar, an open space. appreciate very much, efforts and...
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Golden Bay Alpine and Tramping Club
March, 2018 Vol 31 - No 4
TRAMP REPORTS
Rogaine 2 December Everybody seemed to have a good time, despite the wind. We were pleased to see competitors scattering to the
four points of the compass at the start and, from a quick look at the Control Cards, taking all sorts of routes
around the area. We hope everybody enjoyed the mix of terrain and the views of Farewell Spit, albeit somewhat
shrouded in its very own sandstorm!
If you’d like to do more rogaining have a look at the NZ Rogaine Association website (www.rogaining.org.nz).
Finally, thanks everybody for your donation to St Johns. Much appreciated. Richard English
Parapara Peak 17 December
Party: Angharad (leader / coordinator), Dan (bird, bug & plant man), Rose, Terri, Dennis & Cathy
What were we thinking?!! It must have been one of the hottest, muggiest days of the year & we chose to climb
1200m. However, great company, wonderful views, beautiful bird song including hearing a Kakariki,
carnivorous plants (Drosera spatulata?) and then the Mussel Inn afterwards for a very well deserved cold drink.
Thanks to Angharad for getting us all up and down safely and to Rose for supplying much needed, lifesaving (it
felt like it) electrolyte drinks. Cathy
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Taupo Point kayak & camp Cancelled – weather too windy
Kaihoka Ramble 16 December
Party: Joyce (Guardian and guide), Mary (2nd
Guide), Shaye, Ryan, Steph, Kan and Kevin
There can be many elements that make for an enjoyable day out; and we were lucky to tap into many of them on
this lovely ramble. Joyce, guardian of the land, clearly had Norwegian negotiations in ameliorating the weather
from windy to largely calm. The sun shone hot but the pace was gentle so that there was not too much sweat lost
as we climbed to the highest parts of the property. The company was diverse with energetic teenagers roaming to
explore caves, often followed by plucky 8 year old Ryan, and the adults in various phases of phitness.
As we climbed we were soon greeted with the sights of fluted, and otherwise sculptured, limestone, until,
reaching a high point, we could see into “Middle Earth”. Everyone delighted in hearing Joyce’s description of
how the film crew came to the Wyllie Farm to film the Hobbit – a tale I’ve heard before, but none the worse for
repeated hearings.
Lunch time found us on a rocky outcrop with big views; down to a beach on the West Coast, across the
Westhaven Inlet in the opposite direction, and beautiful topography in between. Treats were shared as the party
increasingly warmed to one another and opened up to share enthusiasms.
From this high point we descended towards the Inlet side, being educated variously on the geology, flora and
fauna that we passed. The tide was in retreat when we reached sea level and walked across 3 metres of sand into
what seemed like 2 km of squelchy mud. Whilst three of our number were barefoot for the entire ramble, almost
everyone forsook their footwear for fear of losing it in the sucking sediment.
Much of the discussion during this latter part of the trip was focussed on the authenticity of the dinosaur
footprints that we were heading towards. Indeed when we reached the spot a great deal of persuasive imagination
still failed to convince everyone.
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Despite the leisurely pace of the day we had been out in the hot sun for many hours, so a cooling swim in
Kaihoka Lakes was a great way to end a most enjoyable day. Thank you Joyce and Mary. Kevin
Historic Rameka Track 17 December
Rameka old Rameka,
The Historical Pack Track.
Terri, Dennis, Brian, Paul, Rose,
Up hill steady we all goes.
Great views, clear skies after rain,
With ease, height easily gained.
Up on ridge there's other tracks,
For bikes and trampers, with packs.
There's the 'Great Expectations',
'Odyssey',steep downhill runs.
Had lunch at a special place,
Lorax Liar, an open space.
Appreciate very much,
Efforts and creative touch.
Track makers, and pest trappers,
Bridge builders, and tree planters.
Much thanks from us to you all,
A lovely place to explore. Poet Paul
Kaituna Crossover 23 December
Party 1: Louise, Terri, Dennis, Cathy - scribe
The 4 of us started from the Knuckle Hill end and as the day was going to be long and hot we rather thought we
got the best deal! It was cool enough and we had plenty of energy at that point to get up Knuckle Hill. Then on
through the beautiful park-like area before entering the bush. Plenty of water along the way for us to fill our
bottles and the most gorgeous display of Rata any of us had ever seen. We met the 4 coming the other way and
even remembered to swap keys!
Although designated a route, the track was easy to find and well marked. It was relatively slow going until we
descended to Kaituna Forks where we had a welcome splash in the river - bit of a trickle compared to what it
can be like. The track from the Forks to the road end was very well formed and we marched along it as we were
all thinking about a long cold one at the Mussel Inn!
The two groups rendezvoused there as arranged. Cathy
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Party 2: Lis, Brian Shaye and Paul
Starting from the Bainham end, we meandered our way up the valley. Rata flowers were blooming, contrasting
nicely with the green foliage. We battled ferociously while crossing the river to defend ourselves from the
savage eel. Oh wait never mind we didn’t even get our feet wet. And then up the hill we went. We remarked on
the smell of potatoes, with what I thought was also accompanied with grilled cheese. Paul says that he usually
smells this in the bush around this time of year, although no one knew what caused it. Any ideas?
We hadn’t met the other group by 12, but decided to stop anyway. Walking is fun, but lunch is something I find
especially enjoyable. The addition of rhubarb cake made it all the better, thanks Paul!
The other group earned bragging rights after an ascent of Knuckle Hill was completed. They even beat us back
to the Mussel Inn, but thats ok because they cheered upon our arrival. Thanks to everyone who came and to Paul
for being our coordinator/leader! Shaye
Journey to the Seven Lakes 5 –7 January
Party of 2 x 70 yr olds, 4 x 40-50 yrs, and 4 kids, aged 8-13
By Bo Cherry-Young (aged 13), Jaiden Stevenson (aged 12), Ashton Stevenson (aged 8) & Ryan Hartill (aged 8)
Very cold lakes… A lot of uphill… Evil Owie bushes (aka Spaniard Grass)…Fun bush bashing and awesome
swimming in most of the lakes.
Here is a memoir from each day from the 4 boys who went on the trip...
Day 1: We liked going down the spur from Iron Hill and seeing the other mountains from the top of Iron Hill.
There was cool ‘snow’ at the top of Iron Hill aka Quartz Crystal. Climbing around the quartz was interesting
because the white lines were really unusual. There were bones from an unidentified animal found near a pile of
rocks at Campsite one. Oh and finding a gecko was cool too.
Day 2: Evil tussock grass gave Bo asthma and it hid owie bushes. On top of Mt Benson Ridge was super windy
conditions almost blowing us over, but very epic at the same time! Ashton really loved the navigating and bush
bashing part, and jumping over the plants that his brother Jaiden couldn't get through. At Diamond Lake the
wind was blowing really hard and the Hartill family camped with Chuck by the lake. The others were more
sheltered in the bush site.
Day 3: Bo's favourite part was getting a ride at the end of the track past all of the adults! He really liked the
coldness of the lakes and rivers...Not! Getting home to running water, toilets, proper beds and a fridge! Ryan's
favourite part was jumping off the rock and swimming at Lake Locket, really fun.
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Swimming in the waterfall at Batty Creek on the way out was very refreshing too. Seven lakes but only five
swims, was too cold and blustery for Lakes Lillie and Diamond.
Thank you Gaylene for organising the epic trip!!!!!! It was amazing and epic and crazy and super fun and spiky
and just awesome!!!!!
Pupu Canyoning Cancelled – flooded, then heavy rain pending
Tablelands Treasure 23 - 25 January
Party: Cathy - organiser & scribe, Brian - guide & historian
Glorious weather. Went up Mt Peel on the way to Balloon Hut, so quite a long hot day, but just stunning.
Next day we went to check out Salisbury Lodge then on to visit Sphinx Cave and the potholes ending up at Dry
Rock Shelter. We then returned to Balloon Hut for the night. Last day we got up early to beat the heat and got up
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to the ridge above Deep Creek before the early morning cloud rolled away. Lunch was at the beautifully kept
Myttons Hut. A great little trip. Cathy
Rotoiti Family Trip 27 – 29 January
Party: Jessica, Rodney, Bethany (15), Hannah (13), Ruby (10), Naomi (8), Leah (7), and twins Kaitlyn & Nicole
Smith (15)
This outing was designated as a family trip, and so it was, as Jessica and I took our 5 girls plus 2 cousins from
Hokitika (also girls) on a double overnighter to the Coldwater hut at the lakehead. We had nearly beautiful
weather throughout with just a thunderstorm on Sunday evening to give interest.
The walk in was a leisurely 3.5 hrs from the Mt Robert Rd around the west side of the lake to the more historic
of the two lakehead huts. This side of the lake is a great option as it is less travelled, by the lake for the most
part, and cooler for January tramping. The Coldwater hut is fabulous too, with a lake edge view and nestled
amongst the full size beech forest. Having a 'middle' day allowed us to explore further, so we ventured up to the
Travers swingbridge. A very nice 2 hours up valley for the junior group, to a great picnic spot and dip in the
river, which at 650m never quite loses its bracing nature. I left the girls to head back as I blew out some cobwebs
by having a crack at adjacent Paenter Peak, which is a 1200m climb from the valley to the summit at 1850m.
This point is the Southern extremity of the St Arnaud range and a good challenge for a body no longer in its 20s.
Monday saw a return to sparkling weather as we headed out. The 5 min diversion to Whiskey waterfall was well
worth the effort, then a dip in West Bay after the trudge through the warm regenerating manuka was a blissfull
end to a top shelf family outing. Rodney
Mt Owen – Cancelled – too hot, and not enough interest
Greenhills Arches Cancelled – wild weather
Parapara Gorge via Glengyle Stream 17 February
Party: Frazer, Kerry, Daphne, Jaiden, Lena, Luane, Elangio, John, Richard, Kirsty
Ten adventurers left from the end of the Parapara valley road. We had a track for the first 15 minutes or so and
then crossed the Parapara River to follow up Glengyle Stream. Most of our route was right in the waterway as
this provided the easiest travel. There was still plenty of ducking and diving and clambering to be had however!
We were able to see both ends of the tunnel that was used to transport water from the Parapara dam to the
Glengyle for sluicing operations in the 1890’s. The final part of the up route leaves the stream and pulls uphill to
meet up with the track heading into Richmond flat. At the dam we had lunch, donned our wetsuits and hit the
water. The Parapara gorge is very stunning – large pools, small water chutes, interesting shaped rocks and lovely
bush. The boys spent as much time in the water as possible - tackling as many mini rapids and water features as
they could. The rest of us relished being able to warm up out of the water by rock scrambling from time to time!
The scrambling gets more difficult further downstream and I think we all felt like we had experienced a full
body workout by the end! The round trip took us about 7 hours to complete. Kerry
Tuesday 27 February Club Night
With interwoven sound recordings and photos, stories of the building of old huts, anecdotes of members, past
and present, Kevin produced a fascinating illustrated history of our club, proving that history is never dull. A
huge amount of research went into this, and a record has been lodged with the Golden Bay museum. Paul added
insights into various club tramps where camaraderie won the day. There followed a lively quiz, supper and
sociable conversation.
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TWO INTREPID TRIPS
Lower Dragon's Teeth - mid November In from the Kill Devil track to Soper Shelter for the night. Next day was an early start up the first spur onto the
ridge going to the Drunken Sailors. Sidling under this I met up with the Lower Dragon's teeth route having taken
a short cut to miss out the section to Lonely Lake. I headed down the route to the Anatoki River, and once there
followed this upstream on the true left. Leaving the river and going up to the saddle above Adelaide tarn, I
clambered out to find Warwick and fellow trampers camping, preparing for the Dragon's Teeth the next day.
What a nice surprise to meet him up there! The hut was empty and next day I went out by Boulder Lake and
Brown Cow. Fiona
Roaring Lion River - mid December Back in December when we were basking in hot, dry weather a river trip looked good. Leaving the car at
Trilobite in the evening I walked in to an empty Chaffey Hut to stay the night ready for an early start. The next
two days were off track and going up Chaffey stream to the saddle was straightforward, although steep down to
Breakfast Creek on the other side. I then followed the creek down to the Roaring Lion River. The true left of the
river is old growth beech and easy to walk through. But the easy walking changed to negotiating steep bluffs and
slips where the river narrowed. With such hot weather, swimming was a more appealing option, being easier and
quicker than going up high around the bluffs, bush bashing and negotiating windfalls. I had my gear well packed
in dry bags in the backpack, which floated well with all the air pockets. But swimming only worked in the still
pools not the fast water or rapids, so often there was no alternative but to go up and round and progress slowed.
It was better to keep going with the friendly sandflies coming out to feast in the evening and the river getting
colder but when it got too dark to see, I put up the tent by the river. Up early and straight into the chilly water
followed by the friendly sandflies was a good wake up. The sandflies gave up as it warmed up but then the
friendly eels came to see me in the river. Even with the eels, swimming was more appealing than hot, slow
detours up and round, but on the last long gorge I did wonder how many were lurking in the dark depths below!
Especially as I'd been bitten by one a few years before.
The gorge came out at the Roaring Lion hut and after a brief stop continued on a DOC track to the Karamea
River. There is an unmarked, unmaintained track on the true right of the Karamea from the Karamea Bend hut to
the Roaring Lion hut, which a DOC sign estimates at taking 6-8 hours. But with the river low I opted to follow
the river crossing back and forth between the gravel and this reduces it to 4-5 hours and you get to see more of
the river. Two hours before the hut it got colder and started raining, and swimming across seemed really
unappealing, so I decided to wade across, which was not a good decision. I fell and was rolled around but got out
with just some large bruises. The rain got heavier and the sandflies gathered round to give me sympathy! It was
better to just keep soggily going than try to change as there was plenty more crossings. Arriving at the hut a
fisherman who came from Denmark made me a welcome cup of hot tea. Next day was fine weather and another
early start to get up on the Tablelands before the heat of the day. A cool off in Lake Peel and back to the car.
Long days, but a great adventure! Fiona
OTHER NEWS AND INFO
Trip Co-ordinators: A PLB must be taken on all club trips. Maps, a map case and billies are also available for
club trips. You must contact Kevin if there are changes to plans so that they can be posted on our website and
advertising changed. Also, please organise one of your party to write a trip report.
Petrol contributions for tramps: The petrol contribution amount for each tramp is a guide only, based on four
people in a car. It may be changed at the discretion of the trip co-ordinator. It is the co-ordinator’s responsibility
to collect money from each tramper and to distribute it to the drivers.
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The March issue of the FMC Bulletin (now called “Backcountry”) should arrive around mid-March. You will be
told when it arrives, and it will be available for you to collect from the library – Thanks to Tish and her crew.
Available for hire: for club members on private trips
The club PLB and GPS - $10 for each for up to a week, provided the PLB is not needed for a club trip
The club’s new Macpac Minaret Alpine tent can be hired for $5 per day. It weighs 2.4kg.
We have a Group Facebook page - Golden Bay Alpine Tramping Club. We can post photos and tramp reports
there, and spontaneous tramps can also be notified. It is a closed group, but you can ask to join. Thanks to CJ for
setting this up and being its administrator.
And our website is http://www.goldenbayatc.org/
Photos. Please email to Fill Burgers (address below) for the newsletter, and to CJ (address below) for Facebook
or post them direct to Facebook.
If you have done an amazing tramp, or if you have dreams of amazing tramps in the future, you are welcome to
share these in the next newsletter. Email to Fill by 20 May.
Golden Bay Alpine and Tramping Club Committee 2017/2018
President Gaylene Wilkinson 022 170 7398 beachgums(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Treasurer Albie Burgers 525 9138 albie.fill(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Secretary Kevin Durkan 525 9539 kdurkantc(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Newsletter editor Fill Burgers 525 9138 albie.fill(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Committee Rodney Watson 525 8847 rjwatson2(AT)xtra(DOT)co(DOT)nz
CJ Webster 027 426 8050 cjwebster962(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Cathy Rooney 021 999 015 cath.roo(AT)gmail(DOT)com